Inflatable Rooftop Tent System for Vehicles

ABSTRACT

A tent system may include a base system adapted to mount to a roof of a vehicle, an inflatable tent frame, and a canopy. The base system may include a rigid platform and an air delivery mechanism integrated into the base system, the air delivery mechanism may have an air port adapted to receive pressurized air. The tent system may include an inflatable tent frame including an inflatable tube coupled with the base system, the inflatable tube having an air inlet coupled with the air delivery mechanism, the air inlet receiving the pressurized air from the air delivery mechanism into the inflatable tube, the inflatable tube adapted to support a tent canopy when the inflatable tube is inflated using the pressurized air. The tent canopy may be attached to the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/382,661, entitled “Inflatable Base andFrame Vehicle Roof Top Tent Where a Composite Shell is Used inConjunction with Inflatable Tubes that Support an Internal Base Platformand a Tent Canopy. When the Inflatable Tubes are Fully Inflated theInner Base will be Supported at or above the Height of the Side Walls ofthe Exterior Composite Structure or Shell of the Tent Allowing for aMostly Flat Surface for an Occupant to Sleep on. The Tent Canopy willalso be Supported by an Inflatable Air Tube Frame,” filed on Sep. 1,2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to roof-top tents that are mountable on avehicle.

Many outdoors enthusiasts enjoy camping, but setting up a tent can betime consuming and inconvenient, especially when there are no suitableplaces to put a tent. Additionally, it is frequently beneficial to belocated off the ground to avoid disturbing or being disturbed bywildlife. One solution to such a problem is a roof-top tent thatattaches to the top of a vehicle. Unfortunately, current roof-top tentsalso present various shortcomings. Existing root-top tents include bulkyframes and pads making them heavy and difficult to lift onto the roof ofa vehicle. Additionally, such existing roof-top tents are thick whenstowed on top of the vehicle thereby causing substantial wind resistanceand resistance and reducing efficiency of the vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a need among such tents to provide a tent systemwhich is thin and light.

SUMMARY

According to one innovative aspect of the subject matter described inthis disclosure, a tent system includes a base system, an inflatabletent frame, and a canopy. For example, a tent system may include: a basesystem adapted to mount to a roof of a vehicle, the base systemincluding a rigid platform with a perimeter edge and an air deliverymechanism integrated into the base system, the air delivery mechanismhaving an air port adapted to receive pressurized air, the base systemincluding mounting hardware for attaching the tent system to the roof ofthe vehicle; an inflatable tent frame including an inflatable tubecoupled with the base system, the inflatable tube having an air inletcoupled with the air delivery mechanism, the air inlet receiving thepressurized air from the air delivery mechanism into the inflatabletube, the inflatable tube adapted to support a tent canopy when theinflatable tube is inflated using the pressurized air; and the tentcanopy including a flexible membrane having a canopy fastener, thecanopy fastener extending along a perimeter of the flexible membrane andadapted to attach the flexible membrane to the perimeter edge of therigid platform, the tent canopy forming an interior cavity with the basesystem when the inflatable tube is inflated.

In general, another innovative aspect of the subject matter described inthis disclosure may be embodied in methods that include operations forthe use and manufacture of the system above.

It should be understood that the language used in the present disclosurehas been principally selected for readability and instructionalpurposes, and not to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosedherein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by way oflimitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals are used to refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example implementation of a tent system inan open position and mounted to a vehicle.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a basesystem and inflatable tent frame in an open position.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a basesystem, inflatable tent frame, and pad in an open position.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform in an open position.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform and inflatable air chamber in an open position.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform and movable floor panel in an open position.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrations of an example configuration ofconnection mechanisms for connecting a drop stitch panel to a rigidplatform.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example implementation of a manifold.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform in an open position.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform in a closed position.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform in an open position with an inflatable panel.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform in an open position with an inflatable panel and a pad.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member mated to a canopy fastener.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of example implementations ofinterconnecting members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of this disclosure, reference numbers may be used torefer to components found in any of the figures, regardless whetherthose reference numbers are shown in the figure being described.Further, where a reference number includes a letter referring to one ofmultiple similar components (e.g., component 000 a, 000 b, and 000 n),the reference number may be used without the letter to refer to one orall of the similar components. Further, it should be noted that aspectsof certain components may be described in reference to one component,but these aspects may be applicable to none, some, or all of thecomponents, depending on the implementation.

The present disclosure describes an innovative technology relating toroof-top tents for vehicles 112. The tent system 102 solves many of theshortcomings of existing tents, especially roof-top tents, for example,the shortcomings described in the Background. The tent system 102described herein provides an integrated system for quickly setting up avehicle roof-top tent using an inflatable tent frame 204 and, in someinstances, an inflatable pad. The inflatable tent frame 204 and, in someinstances, inflatable pad reduce the weight and, when deflated, thethickness of the tent system 102 allowing low profile hinges to be used,and reducing the dimensions of the tent system 102 when stored (e.g., ina folded or closed position) on top of a vehicle 112. The integratedinflatable tent system 102 described herein is also substantiallylighter than previous roof-top tents that include, for example, metaltent frames, thick mattress pads, and, in some instances, requirethicker base support structures. Accordingly, while past root-top tentsystems are 9 to 12 inches thick when folded and weigh approximately 200pounds, the tent system 102 described herein can be as thin as 4-8inches thick when folded and weigh as little as 75 pounds or less,although it should be noted that these specifications are provided byway of example and not limitation.

These advantages are provided by the configuration and interaction ofcomponents, such as the air frame technology and the inflatable padcoupled with the rigid platform described herein. For example, accordingto some implementations, the inflatable pad (e.g., the drop stitchpanel, inflatable mattress pad, or inflatable chamber described herein)may allow thinner and/or different configurations of rigid platforms 202than past roof-top tents, as described in further detail below.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an example implementation of a tent system 102in an open position (e.g., an open position of a rigid platform 202 isshown in FIG. 6A and a closed position is shown in FIG. 6B). In someimplementations, the tent system 102 may include a canopy 104, aninflatable tent frame 204 (not illustrated in FIG. 1), and a base system106.

The base system 106 may include a rigid platform 202 formed by one ormore base members 108 a and 108 b (e.g., the base members 108 a and 108b are components of the rigid platform 202), an air delivery mechanism(not illustrated in FIG. 1), and, in some instances, an inflatable pad(not illustrated in FIG. 1). The base system 106 may be attachable to aroof rack 110 of a vehicle 112. Additionally, a base member 108 mayinclude, or have attached thereto, a support 114 to support the rigidplatform 202, for instance, to support a base member 108 a extendingbeyond the side of the vehicle 112, as illustrated. For example, asecond base member 108 a may extend beyond a side of the vehicle 112when the tent system 102 is in an open position so that, when the tentsystem 102 is in an open position, a surface of the first and secondbase members 108 a and 108 b are substantially planar thereby providinga flat floor surface for the interior of the tent system 102.

A base member 108 may include mounting hardware, such as transverselymounted rails 130 configured to rest perpendicularly across a standardvehicle 112 roof rack 110 (although the rails 130 or other mountinghardware may have other configurations). In some implementations, themounting hardware may include welds, bolts, or any other hardware, whichmay be used to securely attach the base system 106 to the vehicle 112.The rigid platform 202 provides support to the tent system 102, forexample, when the tent system 102 is mounted to the vehicle 112. Therigid platform 202 and base system 106 are described in further detailthroughout this disclosure.

The support 114 may include any mechanism configured to support the basemember 108. For example, in some implementations, the support 114 may bea ladder attached to the bottom or side of a base member 108. The laddermay then be used to support the base member 108 and to enable a personto climb into the tent system 102. The support 114 may be attached tothe base member 108 using bolts, rivets, adhesive, or any other mountingmechanism. In some implementations, the support 114 may fold along thesurface of the base member 108 for storage when not needed to supportthe base member 108. In some implementations, the support 114 may beslidably mounted to the base member 108 allowing the support 114 to bedeployed under or adjacent to the base member 108 to provide verticalsupport, and then to slide, retract, or fold into a cavity or channelformed in the base member 108 for storage.

In some implementations, the base system 106 may include an air deliverymechanism (e.g., as illustrated and described throughout thisdisclosure) integrated into or attached to the base system 106. The airdelivery mechanism may include one or more air ports 210 adapted toreceive pressurized air. For example, an air port 210 may receive orconnect to an air hose coupled to an air compressor, air pump, etc. Insome implementations, the air port 210 of the air delivery mechanismincludes a valve integrated into a base member 108 proximate to the edgewhere the support 114 (e.g., ladder) is located, thereby providing easyaccess to the valve to fill the inflatable component(s) of the tentsystem 102 with pressurized air. The air delivery mechanism may deliverthe pressurized air to the inflatable tent frame 204 (e.g., as describedin reference to FIG. 2A) and/or an inflatable air chamber or pad (e.g.,as described in reference to FIGS. 2B, 3B, 3C, 7A, and 7B). It shouldfurther be noted that the air delivery mechanism, in someimplementations, may include an integrated air pump.

The canopy 104 covers at least a portion of the base member 108 to formthe tent system's roof and/or sides. The rigid platform 202 may define aperimeter edge around which a canopy 104 may be attached. In someimplementations, the canopy 104 includes a flexible membrane 120, whichmay include or define a membrane edge 132. The membrane edge 132 mayinclude a canopy fastener 804 (e.g., as described in reference to FIGS.8-9B) affixed thereto for connecting the canopy 104 to the base system106 around the perimeter edge of the rigid platform 202. For example,the canopy fastener may connect to the interconnecting member fastener816 (e.g., as described in reference to FIGS. 8-9B). In someimplementations, the canopy 104 may include a bottom pan membrane (notshown) and the membrane edge 132 may be located along the intersectionbetween the bottom pan membrane and the flexible membrane 120. Thecanopy 104 and base system 106 (and/or bottom pan membrane) form aninterior cavity of the tent system 102 when the tent system 102 is anopen position and, for example, the inflatable tent frame 204 isinflated.

The flexible membrane 120 may be constructed of any type of flexiblematerial, such as fabric, canvas, mesh, vinyl, nylon, polyester, etc. Aninterconnecting member 806 (e.g., as described in further detail inreference to FIGS. 8-9B) enables a user to quickly and easily replace amesh canopy 104 (e.g., for dry or summer use) with a water resistantcanopy 104 (e.g., for rain). In some implementations, theinterconnecting member 806 may enable a first canopy 104 (e.g., a waterresistant canopy 104) to be attached to the base system 106 at the sametime as a second canopy 104 (e.g., a mesh canopy 104). For example, theinterconnecting member fastener 816 is configured to quickly andinterchangeably align any canopy fastener 804 and affix thecorresponding canopy(ies) 104 to the base system 106.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible membrane 120 of the canopy 104 may beinclude one or more windows 124 and one or more doors (not illustratedin FIG. 1), and one or more vents (not shown in FIG. 1). For example, adoor may be located adjacent or above the edge of the tent system 102supported by the support member 114 (e.g., a ladder). The door may beconstructed of a flexible membrane, such as a lightweight poly-oxfordmaterial and may include a mesh or clear plastic window formed in thedoor. A vent may be located at the window 124, at a top of the canopy104, or elsewhere on the canopy 104 for providing ventilation to theinterior of the tent system 102.

In some implementations, the canopy 104 may include a rainfly attachedto or integrated with the canopy 104. For example, a rainfly can beattached to the base system 106 in place of or in addition a canopy 104thereby providing weather protection. The rainfly may be attached to theinflatable tent frame 204 and/or canopy 104 using Velcro, straps, orother attachment means and may be supported using the same inflatabletent frame 204 as the canopy 104. In some implementations, the rainflymay extend beyond the edges of the base system 106 to cover the basesystem 106 and protect it from weather. It should be noted that otherimplementations of the rainfly are possible and contemplated herein.

The vehicle 112 may include any vehicle 112 capable of supporting thetent system 102, however, it should be understood that the tent system102 may be used in other configurations. For example, although the tentsystem 102 is particularly beneficial for use when mounted to a vehicle112, due to the rigid platform 202, the tent system 102 may be placed onthe ground or mounted to any other object (e.g., a tree, a stand,trailer, etc.).

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a basesystem 106 and inflatable tent frame 204, according to the presentdisclosure, in an open position. The base system 106 may include a rigidplatform 202 and, in some implementations, one or more hinges 208.

As shown, the rigid platform 202 may include one or more base members108 a and 108 b. A base member 108 a may comprise a first rectangularbody defining a first base member surface 206 a and a second base member108 b may comprise a second rectangular body defining a second basemember surface 206 b. The first and second base member surfaces 206 mayform an interior floor of the tent system 102 when the tent system 102is in an open position, as illustrated. For example, the first andsecond base members 108 may be pivotally attached together using one ormore hinges 208 that allow the base members 108 to fold out to and openposition where they are substantially level with one another. Asillustrated in FIG. 2A, the second base member surface 206 b may bepositioned on a substantially horizontal plane with the first basemember surface 206 a when the tent system 102 is in an open position.The base system 106 may pivot about an axis defined by the hinge 208 tofold the second base member 108 a into the parallel plane over the firstbase member 108 b and position the tent system 102 into a closedposition, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

The inflatable tent frame 204 may include an inflatable tube (or othershape of air chamber) coupled with the base system 106. The inflatabletent frame 204 may be coupled to the rigid platform 202, a hinge 208, ora pad (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2B), for example, using strapspassing over the inflatable tent frame 204, Velcro, magnets, snaps orclasps, D-rings, or other mechanisms.

The inflatable tube may be constructed of any flexible, air tightmaterial (e.g., vinyl covered polyester, various plastics, etc.), and isadapted to support a tent canopy 104 when the inflatable tent frame 204is inflated. It should be noted that implementations of the inflatabletent frame 204 may have any number or configuration of air chambers tosupport different sized and shaped canopies without departing from thescope of this disclosure. As illustrated, the inflatable tent frame 204includes two arches having an arch diameter of approximately three feetto provide ample room inside the interior cavity of the tent system 102while remaining compact and wind resistant, although otherimplementations are possible.

In some implementations, the inflatable tent frame 204 has an air inlet(not illustrated in FIG. 2A) that couples with the air deliverymechanism, so that the air inlet receives pressurized air from the airdelivery mechanism into the inflatable tent frame 204. In someimplementations, the air port 210 (e.g., a fill valve, opening with acap, etc.) may be integrated with one or more of the base members 108, apad (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2B), or directly in the inflatabletent frame 204 itself. For example, the air delivery mechanism mayinclude a fill valve or nozzle that passes through a hole in the rigidplatform 202 to connect to the air inlet of the inflatable tent frame204 to the outside of the tent system 102, for example, so theinflatable components of the tent system 102 can be filled without auser climbing into the tent system 102

The hinge(s) 208 may include any type of hinge mechanism which allowsthe base system 106 to fold to a closed position (e.g., as in FIG. 6B),but remain substantially flat in an open position. Further the pivotpoint of the hinge 208 may be raised off the plane formed by the firstand second base members 108, so that when the base system 106 is foldedin a closed position, there is enough space between the first and secondbase members 108 to fit other components (e.g., canopy(ies) 104,inflatable tent frames 204, pads, etc.). The sides of the hinge 208 maybe bolted to, welded to, integrally formed with, or otherwise attachedto the base members 108.

In some implementations, the air delivery mechanism, or a componentthereof may be coupled with the hinge 208. For example, a fill valve maypass through, be coupled with, or be integrated with the hinge 208. Insome implementations, the air delivery mechanism may include a manifold502 with flexible or pivoting components attached to or adjacent to thehinge 208 in order to deliver pressurized air to inflatable componentscoupled to each of the base members 108 a and 108 b while remainingcoupled to the inflatable components even when the tent system 102 is ina closed position.

In some implementations, the inflatable tent frame 204 may have one ormore air outlets for evacuating the pressurized air from the inflatabletent frame 204 and/or for communicating air between the inflatable tentframe 204 and another inflatable component of the tent system 102, suchas an inflatable pad, drop stitch panel, air chamber, etc. In someimplementations, the inflatable tent frame 204 may be integrated with aninflatable pad as a single unit (e.g., the inflatable tent frame 204 maybe attached to the pad and form a contiguous air chamber) or, forinstance, these components may be communicatively coupled by a valve(s)or a manifold 502.

The inflatable tent frame 204 is configured to support the canopy 104(not shown in FIG. 2A). For example, the canopy 104 may be attached tohang from a bottom of the inflatable tube, or the canopy 104 may be laid(and, in some instances, attached) over the top of the inflatable tube.In some instances, the inflatable tent frame 204 may include protrusionsand/or connections for attaching a rainfly, as described above.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a basesystem 106, inflatable tent frame 204, and pad(s) 222, according to thepresent disclosure, in an open position. As illustrated in theimplementation of FIG. 2B, the rigid platform 202 may include one ormore raised edges 220 for protecting the tent system 102 (e.g., theinflatable tent frame 204, pad(s) 222, canopy 104, and/or othercomponents) when the tent system 102 is folded in a closed position. Insome implementations, where raised edges are included on the rigidplatform 202, the raised edges 220 may be along two, three, or foursides of each base member 108, for instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A,2B, and 3A, respectively. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, theraised edges 220 may be reduced in size or omitted from the ends of therigid platform 202 (e.g., near a door) and from the junction between twobase members 108. In another example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, theraised edges 220 may be reduced in size or omitted from the side of thebase members 108 at the junction between the base members 108. In yetanother example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the raised edges may extendaround all four sides of each base member 108 in order to form a closedclamshell when the tent system 102 is in a closed position.

In some implementations, the base system 106 may include one or morepads 222 a and 222 b resting on the rigid platform 202 and forming afloor surface of the tent system 102. As illustrated, the inflatabletent frame 204 may rest on top of the pad(s) 222, although otherimplementations are possible, such as where the tent frame 204 rests ontop of the rigid platform 202 and the pad(s) 222 are sized or contouredaround the inflatable tent frame 204. In some implementations, thepad(s) 222 may be inflatable or may include one or more inflatablechambers. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the base system 106may include a first inflatable chamber (e.g., 222 a) coupled (e.g., viaD-rings, Velcro, magnets, straps, clips, interconnecting members, etc.)with the first rectangular body of the first base member 108 at a firstbase member surface (e.g., 206 a) and a second inflatable chamber (e.g.,222 b) coupled with the second rectangular body of the second basemember 108 at the second base member surface (e.g., 206 b).

In some implementations, the pads 222 a and 222 b may include a firstand second inflatable chamber coupled with the air delivery mechanismand the air delivery mechanism may be configured to deliver pressurizedair to the first and second inflatable chamber. In some implementations,the first and second inflatable chambers may be coupled together so thatair may flow between them, the air delivery mechanism may include amanifold 502 connected to the first and second inflatable chamber, orthe air delivery mechanism may include a first air port 210 for thefirst inflatable chamber and a second air port 210 for the secondinflatable chamber. Example implementations of the inflatable airchambers are described in further detail in reference to FIGS. 3B, 3C,7A, and 7B.

The air delivery mechanism or components thereof may be integrated intothe base system 106. In some implementations, the air delivery mechanismmay include a manifold 502 (e.g., an example of which is illustrated anddescribed in reference to FIG. 5), which may be integrated into therigid platform 202. In some implementations, the first and second airchambers are inflatable mattress pads, which are coupled with themanifold 502 and the manifold 502 is adapted to deliver pressurized airfrom a filling valve (e.g., an air port 210) to one or more of theinflatable mattress pads and the inflatable tent frame 204. For example,a manifold 502 (not visible in FIG. 2B) may be integrated into the rigidplatform 202. A manifold may include an air port 210 and one or morevalves 224 a and 224 b controlling distribution of pressurized air fromthe manifold 502 into inflatable components of the tent system 102. Itshould be noted that although the air port 210 and handles of the valves224 are located on the side of the rigid platform 202, one or more ofthese components may be located on a bottom or another surface of therigid platform 202 (e.g., when tent system 102 is in an open position,as illustrated).

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform 202, according to the present disclosure, in an open position.As illustrated, the rigid platform 202 includes a first base member 108a and a second base member 108 b, each base member 108 having raisededges 220 and 320 around their perimeters, so that when the tent system102 is folded into a closed position, the first and second base members108 form a clamshell with a rigid exterior surface.

In some implementations, the first and second base members 108 may haveone or more raised edges 320 at the junction between the first andsecond base members 108, thereby enclosing a clamshell when the tentsystem 102 is in a closed position. An enclosed clamshell may be moredurable, aerodynamic, and protected from wind and rain than a tentsystem 102 with one or more open or soft sides in a closed position. Theability to have raised edges 320 at the junction between the basemembers 108 may be made possible by raising a floor surface of the basesystem 106 above the raised edge(s) 320 using a drop stitch panel,inflatable mattress pad, or inflatable chamber and rigid panelcombination, as described in further detail throughout this disclosure.For example, when the drop stitch panel, inflatable mattress pad, orinflatable chamber is inflated, the floor surface of the base system 106may be supported at or above the height of the raised edge 320 (and/or220) of the clamshell/rigid platform 202, thereby creating a flatsurface for an occupant of the tent system 102 to sleep on. Exampleimplementations where the floor surface is raised using a drop stitchpanel or an inflatable chamber and rigid panel combination areillustrated in reference to FIGS. 3B and 3C respectively.

In some implementations, the rigid platform 202 (or components thereof)may be constructed from wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, composite,fiberglass, or a honeycomb material, etc. For example, as illustrated,the first and second base members 108 may be shells made from a rigidmaterial, such as composite or fiberglass. In some implementations, theuse of drop stitch panels allows the rigid platform 202 to be a thinshell (e.g., a clamshell, as illustrated), because the drop stitchpanels may provide additional rigidity to the rigid platform 202 therebybetter supporting the weight of an occupant inside the tent system thana shell alone, as described in further detail below, for example, inreference to FIGS. 3B and 7A.

As illustrated, the rigid platform 202 may include low profile hinges,such as piano hinges 308, although other types of hinge mechanisms arepossible and contemplated. Accordingly, the tent system 102 can becompact when closed. For example, the dimensions of a base member 108may have a width that is wide enough for two, three, or four occupantsto sleep inside the tent system 102 (e.g., 50, 52, 54, or more inches)and have a length short enough to fit on top of a vehicle 112 (e.g., awidth of the vehicle 112) when closed (e.g., 42 to 48 inches) and longenough to accommodate an occupant's height when open (e.g., 84 to 96inches). The raised edges 220 and 320 of the base system 106 may beapproximately 2 to 4 inches, so that when the tent system 102 is closed,the height of the tent system 102 is 4 to 8 inches (e.g., thecombination of raised edges from two halves of the base system).

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform 202 in an open position and inflatable air chambers 334 a and334 b. In some implementations, the inflatable air chamber(s) 334 mayinclude a drop stitch panel. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, thebase system 106 may include a first drop stitch panel (e.g., 334 a)coupled with the first base member 108 and a second drop stitch panel(e.g., 334 b) coupled with the second base member 108. A top surface ofthe first drop stitch panel 334 a may form a first interior floorsurface 332 a and a top surface of the second drop stitch panel 334 bmay form a second interior floor surface 332 b, so that when each of thefirst and second drop stitch panels 334 are inflated by the pressurizedair, the first and second interior floor surfaces 332 raise so that theyare substantially level with each other to form a flat surface (e.g.,above a raised edge 320, in some implementations).

In some implementations, the rigid platform 202 may include variouscontours. For instance, a clamshell may be aerodynamically shaped and/orinclude contours to accommodate a ladder recessed into a channel in therigid platform 202, mounting hardware, a roof rack, etc. Accordingly,the inflatable chambers 334, such as the drop stitch panels orinflatable mattress pads, may be shaped to fill or be supported abovesuch contours or obstructions in the rigid platform 202 so that theinterior floor surface of the base system 106 is flat when theinflatable chambers 334 are inflated.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform 202 and rigid panels 352 a and 352 b, according to the presentdisclosure, in an open position. For example, the rigid panels 352 mayrest on top of inflatable air chambers (not visible in FIG. 3C), which,when inflated, lift the rigid panels off the rigid platform 202 in orderto create a flat floor surface. For example, as described above, theinflation of the air chambers may lift the floor surface (e.g., a topsurface of the rigid panels 352) above a raised edge (e.g., 220 or 320)of the base system 106. For instance, the first rigid panel 352 a may belifted using a first air chamber and a second rigid panel 352 b may belifted using a second air chamber to create a substantially flat surfaceacross the first and second rigid panels 352.

The inflatable air chambers (not visible in FIG. 3C) that lift the rigidpanels 352 may include inflatable tubes or pads around the perimeteredge and/or center of a base member 108. The inflatable air chambers maybe coupled with the air delivery mechanism (e.g., via a manifold 502,via the inflatable tent frame 204, or via one or more air ports 210integrated with the rigid platform 202). In some implementations, theair chambers for lifting the rigid panels 352 may include airports/valves 354 a and 354 b passing through one or more of the basemembers 108 and the rigid panels 352.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are illustrations of an example configuration ofconnection mechanisms for connecting a drop stitch panel 334 to a rigidplatform 202 and, in some instances, other components of the tent system102. FIG. 4A may illustrate a top surface 404 of an example drop stitchpanel 334 and FIG. 4B may illustrate a bottom surface 406 of the exampledrop stitch panel 334. As illustrated, one or both of the top surface404 and bottom surface 406 may include connection mechanisms that mayattach the drop stitch panel 334 to a base member 108, a rigid panel352, an inflatable tent frame 204, or another component of the tentsystem 102. For example, in some implementations, the connectionmechanisms may include b-rings 410, which attach to straps, clasps,clamps, or other mechanisms.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a drop stitch panel 334 may have aspecific quantity, positioning, and orientation of D-rings 410, whichmay facilitate attaching the drop stitch panel 334 to other componentsof the tent system 102; however, it should be understood that thequantities, measurements, and orientations are provided by way ofexample and that other implementations are possible without departingfrom the scope of this disclosure.

In the depicted implementation, measurements may represent exact valuesor ranges of near (e.g., within 2-4 inches) the given values. Regardingthe measurements of the top surface 404 of the drop stitch panel 334illustrated in FIG. 4A, the measurement 424 may be approximately 42½inches, the measurement 426 may be approximately 54¼ inches, themeasurement 422 may be approximately 12 inches, the measurement 428 maybe approximately 5 inches, and the measurement 430 may be approximately½ inches. Regarding the measurements of the bottom surface 406 of thedrop stitch panel 334 illustrated in FIG. 4B, the measurement 442 of theD-rings at approximately the midpoint of the drop stitch panel 334 maybe approximately 27 to 28 inches, the measurement 444 of the D-rings atapproximately the midpoint of the drop stitch panel 334 may beapproximately 22 to 23 inches, the measurement 446 may be approximately6 inches, and the measurement 448 may be approximately 10 inches. Thefour D-rings on the top surface 404 of the drop stitch panel 334 and thenine D-rings on the bottom surface 406 of the drop stitch panel 334provide an even distribution of tension incurred by the drop stitchpanel 334 when it is coupled with other members of the tent system 102,thereby increasing the strength and ease of assembly of the system.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example implementation of a manifold502. For example, the air delivery system may include air port 210 and amanifold 502. In some implementations, the air port 210 may beintegrated with the manifold 502. The manifold 502 may include any pipeor chamber branching into multiple openings that allows air to pass froman air inlet (e.g., an air port 210 or filling valve) to one or moreoutlets 506 a and 506 b (and/or, in some implementations, from theoutlets to the inlet, to vacate the pressurized air from the system).For example, the manifold 502 may include multiple openings or outlets506 for distributing pressurized air to components of the tent system102, such as the inflatable tent frame 204, inflatable tubes, dropstitch panel(s), air chamber(s), or mattress pad(s).

In some implementations, the manifold 502 may include one or more valves508 controlling the distribution of the pressurized air, for example, afirst valve 508 a may control delivery of the pressurized air from themanifold 502 to the inflatable tent frame 204 (e.g., via a first opening506 a) and a second valve 508 b may control delivery of the pressurizedair from the manifold 502 to an inflatable mattress pad or drop stitchpanel, etc. (e.g., via the second opening 506 b). It should be notedthat although the handles of shut-off valves 508 are illustrated, othervalves are possible and contemplated herein. For instance, a valve 508may include a pressure regulating valve so that, for example, thepressure of the tent frame 204 may be a first set pressure and thepressure of a drop stitch panel may be a second set pressure.Accordingly, for example, once the inflatable pad is inflated to acertain pressure (e.g., a given PSI or pounds of pressure per squareinch), the valve(s) 508 may redirect the pressurized air so that theinflatable tent frame 204 may be automatically inflated.

In some implementations, as described briefly above, the manifold 502may be integrated with or attachable to the base system 106. Forinstance, the manifold 502 may include a tube located inside a body ofthe rigid platform 202 and connecting the air inlet/filling valve 504with the air inlet of inflatable tent frame 204 (and/or drop stitchpanels, air chambers, etc.). In some implementations, the manifold 502may be attachable to or integrated with one or more base members 108, ahinge 208, the inflatable tent frame 204, an air chamber, inflatablemattress pad, and/or drop stitch panel, as described in variousimplementations herein.

In some implementations, the manifold 502 may be soft or flexible sothat it is compressible along with, for example, the inflatable tentframe 204. For instance the body 510 and outlets 506 of the manifold 502may be constructed from a flexible membrane that is air tight andinflatable to distribute pressurized air to one or more of theinflatable components of the tent system 102 while consuming lessphysical space when not in use (e.g., when the tent system 102 is in aclosed position).

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform 202 in an open position. In the illustrated implementation, therigid platform 202 includes a first rigid surface 604 a (e.g., of afirst base member 108 a) and a second rigid surface 604 b (e.g., of asecond base member 108 b), each rigid surface 604 a and 604 b defining aperimeter edge 606 a and 606 b, respectively. The rigid surfaces 604 aand 604 b of the base members 108 a and 108 b may be pivotally attachedtogether using one or more hinges 208. It should be noted that featuresdescribed in reference to base member 108 a may be equally applicable tobase member 108 b and vice versa.

As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the second rigid surface 604 b may bepositioned on a substantially horizontal plane with the first rigidsurface 604 a when the rigid platform is in an open position. Further,the second rigid surface 604 b may be adapted to fold over the firstrigid surface 604 a when the rigid platform is in a closed position, forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

The rigid surfaces 604 a and 604 b may be solid or include some otherconstruction, such as a flat top and an interior constructed usinghoneycombs, corrugations, foam, hat channels, I beams, or any otherconstruction that allows the rigid surface to remain substantially rigidwhen supporting the weight of a user and/or gear inside the tent,especially when the tent system 102 is in an open position. A rigidsurface 604 may be constructed of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood,carbon fiber, or one or more other materials that provide sufficientstrength to support the weight of a user and/or gear.

Each rigid surface 604 may be a rectangular prism, although otherimplementations are possible. In some implementations, each rigidsurface 604 may have one or more perimeter edges 606. For example, asshown, a first rigid surface 604 a has a first perimeter edge 606 a anda second rigid surface 604 b has a second perimeter edge 606 b. In someimplementations, the rigid surface 604 has one or more channels 614along the perimeter edges 606. The channels 614 may be configured toreceive and retain an attachment member 808 of the interconnectingmember 806, as described in further detail in reference to FIGS. 8-9B.

Each channel 614 may be adapted to receive and retain an attachmentmember 808. For example, the channel 614 may be a channel formed withinthe perimeter edge 606 or formed within a component 620 attached to theperimeter edge 606. The channel may be shaped in such a way as toreceive an attachment member 808, such as a bolt cord 904 (e.g., asdescribed in reference to FIGS. 8-9B).

In some implementations, the rigid platform 202 may include an airdelivery mechanism integrated with the rigid platform 202. An airdelivery mechanism may include one or more fill valves or nozzles (notillustrated in FIG. 6A) passing through one or more perforations 632 a,632 b, and 632 c in the rigid platform 202. For example, a nozzle may becoupled to one or more of the manifold 502, inflatable tent frame 204,inflatable tube, pad, or other inflatable component of the tent system102. The nozzle may pass through a perforation 632 in the rigid platform202 to allow access by a user to deliver pressurized air through thenozzle into the manifold 502, inflatable tent frame 204, pad, etc. Insome implementations, the nozzle may be a component of the manifold 502,inflatable tent frame 204, pad, etc., but may be held in place at theperforation 632, for example, by a washer, cap, attachment mechanism,etc. In some implementations, the nozzle or perforation 632 may includean attachment mechanism into which an air hose (e.g., coupled with apump or air compressor) may be received and retained.

The locations and quantity of the illustrated perforations 632 areprovided as an example of the locations of perforations 632, air ports210, nozzles, valves, or other components of the air delivery mechanism.For example, a perforation 632 a or air port 210 may be locatedproximate to an edge of the second base member 108 near a laddersupporting the second base member 108. In another example, a firstperforation 632 b or air port 210 may be located adjacent to a hinge 208on a first base member 108 and a second perforation 632 c may be locatedadjacent to the hinge 208 on the second base member 108.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform 202 in a closed position. FIG. 6B illustrates a rigid platform202 with a first base member 108 a folded over a second base member 108b into a parallel plane when the tent system 102 is in a closedposition. The base system 106 is shown pivoting about the hinges 208 aand 208 b. It should be noted that other components of the tent system102, such as the tent frame 204, pads, canopy 104, etc., are not shownin FIG. 6B. It should also be noted that other example implementationsof the rigid platform 202 (e.g., those illustrated in FIGS. 1-3C) mayfold in a similar fashion as illustrated in FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform 202 in an open position with an inflatable panel 702. Forinstance, the base system 106 may include a rigid platform 202 and aninflatable panel 702 (e.g., an inflatable mattress pad or a drop stitchpanel) coupled to the rigid platform 202. As illustrated, the rigidplatform 202 may include a first base member 108 and a second basemember 108 coupled together using a hinge 208. In some implementations,the inflatable panel 702 is a drop stitch panel 702 coupled with thefirst rectangular body of the first base member 108 a along the firstbase member surface 206 a and the second rectangular body of the secondbase member surface 206 b of a second base member 108 b. For example, asingle drop stitch panel 702 may span both the first and second basemembers 108 to provide a substantially flat interior floor surface ofthe tent system 102. Although a single drop stitch panel 702 isillustrated, it should be noted that multiple drop stitch panels 702 arepossible (e.g., as in the drop stitch panels 334 described above).

A drop stitch panel 702 may include any rigid inflatable panel, such asa panel constructed of an inflatable chamber with sides linked togetherusing drop stitching, for example, as may be used in inflatablesurfboards. Such drop stitch panels may be low pressure devices (e.g., 5PSI to 15 PSI), the thickness of which may be configured based on thestrength requirements of the application. For example, the drop stitchpanel 702 illustrated in FIG. 7A may be 3 to 6 inches thick (e.g., witha thicker drop stitch panel 702 providing more rigidity), although otherimplementations are possible and contemplated herein.

In some implementations, the drop stitch panel 702 may provide rigidityor support to the rigid platform 202, so that the strength of the basesystem 106 is in the combination of the drop stitch panel 702 (e.g.,when inflated) and the rigid platform 202. The drop stitch panel 702 maybe attached or attachable to the base using an interconnecting member806 (e.g., as described in reference to FIGS. 8-9C), Velcro, magnets,clamps, or D-rings (e.g., as described in reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B),etc.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an example implementation of a rigidplatform 202 in an open position with an inflatable panel, such as adrop stitch panel 702, and pad 722. The pad 722 may provide softness toa drop stitch panel 702. The pad 722 may be attached to or integratedwith the drop stitch panel 702. For example, the base system 106 mayinclude an inflatable mattress pad (e.g., 722) coupled with the dropstitch panel 702, the inflatable mattress pad (e.g., 722) resting on topof the drop stitch panel 702 when the tent system 102 is in an openposition (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 7B).

The pad 722 may be constructed from foam, fabric, or an air chamber, forexample, the pad 722 may include an inflatable air mattress pad that maybe coupled with the air delivery mechanism or may be separatelyinflatable (e.g., via a separate air port 210).

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member 806 mated to a canopy fastener 804. Theinterconnecting member 806 may serve as an adapter between the rigidplatform 202 and the canopy 104, pad, drop stitch panel, etc., allowingone or more of these components to be detachably securable to the rigidplatform 202.

FIG. 8 illustrates a section of a membrane edge 132 of the canopy 104attached to the canopy fastener 804. The canopy fastener 804 is afastener that detachably affixes the canopy 104 to the interconnectingmember 806. In some implementations, a pad fastener may be used (e.g.,in place of the canopy fastener 804, but having the same structure) forfastening a panel (e.g., an inflatable mattress pad 722, a drop stitchpanel 702, etc.) to the base system 106 using the interconnecting member806.

In the depicted implementation, the canopy fastener 804 includes acanopy zipper half 812 extending along and fixably attached to themembrane edge 132. A canopy zipper half 812 may include a zipper tape802 and a series of zipper teeth 805 (also known as zipper elements)extending along and fixably attached to the zipper tape 802. The canopyfastener 804 may be adapted to mate with an interconnecting memberfastener 816 of the interconnecting member 806. For example, asdepicted, the interconnecting member fastener 816 includes aninterconnecting member zipper half 814, which mates with the canopyzipper half 812.

It should be noted that, although the canopy fastener 804 and theinterconnecting member fastener 816 are described as including azipper/zipper halves, the fasteners may include other suitablefasteners, such as Velcro, magnets (e.g., a string of magnetic snaps, amagnetic strip, etc.), a series of snaps, a series of buttons, or anyother suitable quick release mechanism.

The interconnecting member 806 illustrated in FIG. 8 may include aninterconnecting member fastener 816, an interconnecting member body 807,and an attachment member 808. The interconnecting member body 807 mayhave a rectangular shape defining a first longitudinal edge 908 and asecond longitudinal edge 912 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 9A). Theattachment member 808 may be attached to the interconnecting member body807 along the first longitudinal edge 908 and the interconnecting memberfastener 816 may be attached to the interconnecting member body 807along the second longitudinal edge 912.

The interconnecting member body 807 may be constructed of the same orsimilar material as the flexible membrane of the canopy 104 or theinterconnecting member body 807 may be constructed of a differentmaterial that is strong enough to bind the attachment member 808 to theinterconnecting member fastener 816 (as well as resist any tensionplaced on the interconnecting member 806 from by the canopy 104, basemember 108, or other component of the tent system 102). For example, theinterconnecting member body 807 may be constructed of fabric, canvas,mesh, vinyl, nylon, polyester, etc. In some instances, theinterconnecting member body 807 may be reinforced with additional layersof material and/or may be treated for weather resistance.

The attachment member 808 is configured to attach or otherwise connectwith the base system 106, for example, the attachment member 808 may beattached to the interconnecting member body 807 along a firstlongitudinal edge 908. In some implementations, the attachment member808 may be configured for insertion or other interaction with a channel614, so that when the attachment member 808 is inserted into the channel614, the interconnecting member 806 and the base member 108 are fixablyattached together.

In some implementations, the attachment member 808 may include adhesive,screws, clamped fabric, a bolt cord 904, or other means of attaching theinterconnecting member body 807 to the base member 108. In someimplementations, the attachment member 808 may include a bolt cord 904or welt cord. For example, the attachment member 808 may include a cordsewn into or otherwise connected to a longitudinal edge 908 of theinterconnecting member body 807. Suitable materials for the cord mayinclude a rope, a plastic or rubberized strand, cloth piping, roll offabric, etc.

The interconnecting member fastener 816 may be any fastener configuredto attach the interconnecting member body 807 to the canopy 104 (e.g.,to the canopy fastener 804). The interconnecting member fastener 816 maybe configured to mate with any one of a plurality of different canopyfasteners 804 so that when the interconnecting member fastener 816 andcanopy fastener 804 are mated, the interconnecting member 806 and canopy104 are detachably, but securely, connected. The interconnecting memberfastener 816 may be attached to the interconnecting member body 807along the second longitudinal edge 912 of the interconnecting memberbody 807.

In the implementation depicted in FIG. 8, the interconnecting memberfastener 816 may include an interconnecting member zipper half 814. Theinterconnecting member zipper half 814 may have a zipper tape 817 and aseries of zipper teeth 818 extending along and fixably attached to thezipper tape 817.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member 806, according to the present disclosure. Asdescribed above, the interconnecting member 806 may be a gimp 902, whichincludes a bolt cord 904. The bolt cord 904 may include a cordlongitudinally attached to the gimp body 906 along a first longitudinaledge 908. The bolt cord 904 may be adapted for insertion into a channel614 of the rigid platform 202. For example, the bolt cord 904 mayinteract with a base member 108 by sliding into the channel 614. In someimplementations, because the bolt cord 904 may be difficult to slideinto and/or out of the channel 614 on a base member 108, the bolt cord904 may be attached to the base member 108 at the factory and may not beremovable by a user. Moreover, although the attachment member 808 may beanother mechanism than a bolt cord 904, as described above, theattachment member 808 may generally be a permanent or semi-permanentinstallation, so that it is difficult to easily or quickly remove from abase member 108, or install and align on the base member 108.

Further, the gimp 902 may include an interconnecting member fastener816, such as a gimp zipper half 910 longitudinally attached to the gimpbody 906 along the second longitudinal edge 912. An interconnectingmember zipper half 814, such as the gimp zipper half 910 allows thecanopy 104, pad, or drop stitch panels, etc., to be quickly attached orremoved from the rigid platform 202. Further the gimp zipper half 910automatically aligns and securely attaches the canopy 104 to a rigidplatform 202.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of an example implementation of aninterconnecting member 952 (which is an implementation of theinterconnecting member 806), according to the present disclosure. Theinterconnecting member 952 may include an attachment member 960 along afirst longitudinal edge 962 of an interconnecting member body 958. Theinterconnecting member 952 may include a first interconnecting memberfastener 954 and a second interconnecting member fastener 956 eachattached to the interconnecting member body 958 along a secondlongitudinal edge 964. Similar to the interconnecting member fastenerdescribed elsewhere herein, the second interconnecting member fastener956 may include an interconnecting member zipper half 814 with zippertape 817 and series of zipper teeth 818 fixably attached to the zippertape 817.

The second interconnecting member fastener 956 may be configured to matewith any one of a plurality of different fasteners, such as a fastenerattached to at least a portion of a perimeter edge of an inflatable pad.For example, the second interconnecting member fastener 956 may matewith an inflatable pad (e.g., a drop stitch panel or an inflatablemattress pad) (e.g., with a pad fastener). For example, the firstinterconnecting member fastener 954 may connect a canopy 104 and thesecond interconnecting member fastener 956 may connect an inflatablepad, inflatable tent frame 204, or another component of the tent system102.

In the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the technology. It will be apparent, however, that thetechnology described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails.

Reference in the specification to “one implementation”, “animplementation”, “some implementations”, or “other implementations”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the implementation is included in at least oneimplementation of the disclosure. The appearances of the term“implementation” or “implementations” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the sameimplementation.

In addition, it should be understood and appreciated that variations,combinations, and equivalents of the specific implementations,implementations, and examples may exist, are contemplated, and areencompassed hereby. The invention should therefore not be limited by theabove described implementations, implementations, and examples, but byall implementations, implementations, and examples, and otherequivalents within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.

1. A tent system comprising: a base system adapted to mount to a roof ofa vehicle, the base system including a rigid platform with a perimeteredge and an air delivery mechanism integrated into the base system, theair delivery mechanism having an air port adapted to receive pressurizedair, the base system including mounting hardware for attaching the tentsystem to the roof of the vehicle, the air delivery mechanism includinga nozzle passing through a perforation in the rigid platform, the nozzledelivering the pressurized air to an inflatable tube; an inflatable tentframe including the inflatable tube coupled with the base system, theinflatable tube having an air inlet coupled with the air deliverymechanism, the air inlet receiving the pressurized air from the airdelivery mechanism into the inflatable tube, the inflatable tube adaptedto support a tent canopy when the inflatable tube is inflated using thepressurized air; and the tent canopy including a flexible membranehaving a canopy fastener, the canopy fastener extending along aperimeter of the flexible membrane and adapted to attach the flexiblemembrane to the perimeter edge of the rigid platform, the tent canopyforming an interior cavity with the base system when the inflatable tubeis inflated.
 2. The tent system of claim 1, wherein the rigid platformincludes a first base member and a second base member, the first basemember including a first rectangular body defining a first base membersurface, the second base member including a second rectangular bodydefining a second base member surface, the first base member surface andthe second base member surface forming an interior floor of the tentsystem when the tent system is in an open position, the second basemember adapted to fold into a parallel plane over the first base memberwhen the tent system is in a closed position; and the base systemincludes a hinge coupling the first base member with the second basemember, base system pivoting about an axis defined by the hinge to foldthe second base member into the parallel plane over the first basemember and position the tent system into the closed position.
 3. Thetent system of claim 2, wherein the air delivery mechanism is coupledwith the hinge.
 4. The tent system of claim 2, wherein the second basemember extends beyond a side of the vehicle when the tent system is inan open position, the second base member surface being substantiallyplanar with the first base member surface when the tent system is in theopen position; and the base system includes a ladder attachable at anedge of the second base member, the ladder providing vertical support tothe edge of the second base member.
 5. The tent system of claim 4,wherein the air port of the air delivery mechanism includes a valveintegrated into the second base member proximate to the edge of thesecond base member, the valve connecting to an air hose, the valvereceiving the pressurized air from the air hose.
 6. The tent system ofclaim 2, wherein the base system includes a drop stitch panel coupledwith the first rectangular body along the first base member surface andthe second rectangular body along the second base member surface, a topsurface of the drop stitch panel providing a substantially flat interiorfloor surface of the tent system; and the air delivery mechanism iscoupled with the drop stitch panel and adapted to deliver thepressurized air to the drop stitch panel.
 7. The tent system of claim 6,wherein the base system includes an inflatable mattress pad coupled withthe drop stitch panel, the inflatable mattress pad resting on top of thedrop stitch panel when the tent system is in the open position; and theair delivery mechanism is coupled with the inflatable mattress pad andadapted to deliver the pressurized air to the inflatable mattress pad.8. The tent system of claim 2, wherein the base system includes a firstinflatable chamber coupled with the first rectangular body at the firstbase member surface and a second inflatable chamber coupled with thesecond rectangular body at the second base member surface, the firstinflatable chamber and the second inflatable chamber coupled with theair delivery mechanism, the air delivery mechanism configured to deliverthe pressurized air to the first inflatable chamber and the secondinflatable chamber.
 9. The tent system of claim 8, wherein the firstinflatable chamber includes a first drop stitch panel; and the secondinflatable chamber includes a second drop stitch panel.
 10. The tentsystem of claim 8, wherein the first base member includes a first raisededge and a first interior floor surface, the first interior floorsurface being raised above the first raised edge when the firstinflatable chamber is inflated by the pressurized air, and the secondbase member includes a second raised edge and a second interior floorsurface, the second interior floor surface being raised above the secondraised edge when the second inflatable chamber is inflated by thepressurized air, the first interior floor surface being substantiallylevel with the second interior floor surface when the first inflatablechamber and the second inflatable chamber are inflated.
 11. (canceled)12. The tent system of claim 1, wherein the air delivery mechanismincludes a filling valve and a manifold, the filling valve receiving thepressurized air into the manifold, the manifold coupled with the airinlet of the inflatable tube of the inflatable tent frame to deliver thepressurized air from the filling valve to the inflatable tube.
 13. Thetent system of claim 12, wherein the manifold is integrated into therigid platform.
 14. The tent system of claim 13, wherein the manifoldincludes a tube located inside a body of the rigid platform, the tubeconnected to the filling valve and the air inlet of the inflatable tentframe.
 15. The tent system of claim 12, wherein the base system includesan inflatable mattress pad, the inflatable mattress pad coupled with therigid platform, the inflatable mattress pad coupled with the manifold;and the manifold is adapted to deliver the pressurized air from thefilling valve to one or more of the inflatable mattress pad and theinflatable tent frame.
 16. The tent system of claim 15, wherein themanifold includes a first valve controlling delivery of the pressurizedair from the manifold to the inflatable tent frame and a second valvecontrolling delivery of the pressurized air from the manifold to theinflatable mattress pad.
 17. The tent system of claim 1, wherein therigid platform includes a channel along at least a portion of theperimeter edge of the rigid platform; the tent system includes aninterconnecting member, the interconnecting member including aninterconnecting member body, an attachment member, and a first zipperhalf, the interconnecting member body having a rectangular shapedefining a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, theattachment member attached to the interconnecting member body along thefirst longitudinal edge, the attachment member sized for insertion intothe channel so that when the attachment member is inserted into thechannel the interconnecting member and the rigid platform are fixablyattached together, the first zipper half attached to the interconnectingmember body along the second longitudinal edge, the first zipper halfhaving a first zipper tape and first series of zipper teeth extendingalong and fixably attached to the first zipper tape; and the canopyfastener of the tent canopy includes a second zipper half extendingalong and fixably attached along the perimeter of the flexible membrane,the second zipper half including a second zipper tape and a secondseries of zipper teeth extending along and fixably attached to thesecond zipper tape, the second zipper half mating with the first zipperhalf so that when the first zipper half and the second zipper half aremated the tent canopy is coupled to the rigid platform.
 18. The tentsystem of claim 17, wherein the interconnecting member includes a thirdzipper half attached along the second longitudinal edge of theinterconnecting member body, the third zipper half having a third zippertape and a third series of zipper teeth extending along and fixablyattached to the third zipper tape; and the base system includes a padsupported by the rigid platform, the pad having a body defining aperimeter edge, at least a portion of the perimeter edge of the padincluding a fourth zipper half, the fourth zipper half having a fourthzipper tape and a fourth series of zipper teeth extending along andfixably attached to the fourth zipper tape, the fourth zipper halfmating with the third zipper half so that when the fourth zipper half ismated with the third zipper half, the pad is coupled to the rigidplatform.
 19. A roof-top tent system comprising: a base system adaptedto mount to a roof of a vehicle, the base system including a rigidplatform and an air delivery mechanism, the air delivery mechanismintegrated into the base system, the rigid platform having a rigidsurface defining a perimeter edge, the air delivery mechanism having afilling valve adapted to receive pressurized air into a manifold coupledwith the rigid platform, the rigid platform including mounting hardwareadapted to attach the roof-top tent system to a vehicle roof rack of theroof of the vehicle; an inflatable mattress pad coupled with the rigidplatform and supported by the rigid surface, the inflatable mattress padincluding a first air inlet coupled with the manifold, the first airinlet receiving the pressurized air from the manifold into theinflatable pad; an inflatable tent frame including an inflatable tubecoupled with the base system, the inflatable tube having a second airinlet coupled with the air delivery mechanism, the second air inletreceiving the pressurized air from the air delivery mechanism into theinflatable tube, the inflatable tube adapted to support a tent canopywhen the inflatable tube is inflated using the pressurized air, themanifold coupled with the second air inlet of the inflatable tube of theinflatable tent frame to deliver the pressurized air from the fillingvalve to the inflatable tube, the manifold being adapted to deliver thepressurized air from the filling valve to one or more of the inflatablemattress pad and the inflatable tent frame; and the tent canopyincluding a flexible membrane having a canopy fastener, the canopyfastener extending along a perimeter of the flexible membrane andadapted to attach the flexible membrane to the perimeter edge of therigid platform, the tent canopy forming an interior cavity with the basesystem when the inflatable tube is inflated.
 20. (canceled)
 21. A tentsystem comprising: a base system adapted to mount to a roof of avehicle, the base system including a rigid platform with a perimeteredge and an air delivery mechanism integrated into the base system, theair delivery mechanism having an air port adapted to receive pressurizedair, the air delivery mechanism including a manifold coupled with therigid platform, the manifold including a tube located inside a body ofthe rigid platform, the tube connecting the air port and an air inlet ofan inflatable air chamber, the base system including mounting hardwarefor attaching the tent system to the roof of the vehicle; an inflatabletent frame including the inflatable tube coupled with the base system,the inflatable tube having the air inlet coupled with the air deliverymechanism, the air inlet receiving the pressurized air from the airdelivery mechanism into the inflatable tube, the inflatable tube adaptedto support a tent canopy when the inflatable tube is inflated using thepressurized air; and the tent canopy including a flexible membranehaving a canopy fastener, the canopy fastener extending along aperimeter of the flexible membrane and adapted to attach the flexiblemembrane to the perimeter edge of the rigid platform, the tent canopyforming an interior cavity with the base system when the inflatable tubeis inflated.
 22. A tent system comprising: a base system adapted tomount to a roof of a vehicle, the base system including a rigid platformwith a perimeter edge and an air delivery mechanism integrated into thebase system, the air delivery mechanism having an air port adapted toreceive pressurized air, the base system including mounting hardware forattaching the tent system to the roof of the vehicle, the rigid platformincluding a channel along at least a portion of the perimeter edge ofthe rigid platform; an inflatable tent frame including an inflatabletube coupled with the base system, the inflatable tube having an airinlet coupled with the air delivery mechanism, the air inlet receivingthe pressurized air from the air delivery mechanism into the inflatabletube, the inflatable tube adapted to support a tent canopy when theinflatable tube is inflated using the pressurized air; the tent canopyincluding a flexible membrane having a canopy fastener, the canopyfastener extending along a perimeter of the flexible membrane andadapted to attach the flexible membrane to the perimeter edge of therigid platform, the tent canopy forming an interior cavity with the basesystem when the inflatable tube is inflated; an interconnecting memberincluding an interconnecting member body, an attachment member, and afirst zipper half, the interconnecting member body having a rectangularshape defining a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge,the attachment member attached to the interconnecting member body alongthe first longitudinal edge, the attachment member sized for insertioninto the channel so that when the attachment member is inserted into thechannel the interconnecting member and the rigid platform are fixablyattached together, the first zipper half attached to the interconnectingmember body along the second longitudinal edge, the first zipper halfhaving a first zipper tape and first series of zipper teeth extendingalong and fixably attached to the first zipper tape; and the canopyfastener of the tent canopy including a second zipper half extendingalong and fixably attached along the perimeter of the flexible membrane,the second zipper half including a second zipper tape and a secondseries of zipper teeth extending along and fixably attached to thesecond zipper tape, the second zipper half mating with the first zipperhalf so that when the first zipper half and the second zipper half aremated the tent canopy is coupled to the rigid platform.